Vernetta Larrabee

Vernetta Elizabeth Larrabee crossed over from death to eternal life at her home with her children by her side on Tuesday, April 14. Her husband, Lyman, preceded her in death seven weeks earlier, on Feb. 23. Vernetta was born on Sept. 21, 1922, in Peru, Ill., the only child of Jacob and Anna Riedel. While she was a young girl, her family moved to Racine, Wis., where she grew up and graduated from Horlick High School in 1940. She loved sports and was captain of the girl’s volleyball team. She met Lyman Larrabee, the love of her life, at an ice skating rink; they were married Aug. 1, 1942, for more than 66 years. Vernetta partnered with her husband in owning and operating a very successful and well-known diner in Racine called The Ritz. In 1955, Vernetta and Lyman with their two older children moved to Eugene to live in the beautiful Pacific Northwest. Three more children were born in Eugene. In 1958, the family moved to Corvallis, where they became permanent residents. Vernetta worked at the Oregon State University Bookstore for 27 years, from 1968 to 1995. She was highly esteemed and loved by her co-workers. An avid reader all of her life, she had a strong interest in law and courtroom dramas. She pursued her sports interests by bowling and competing in leagues for many years. As a Beaver Believer she attended many of Oregon State University’s football games including the famous OSU 3-0 win over O.J. and the USC Trojans. She enjoyed traveling, snow skiing, snowmobiling and camping with her family. She loved animals and had pets throughout her life. She cared for her feathered friends by keeping them well-fed with seed all year long. Her love and zest for life spilled into her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She never missed planning a birthday party for each of them. She enjoyed shopping trips and going out for coffee with her daughters. A very important part of her life was to be involved in her grandkids’ sporting and music events. She was a member and faithful attender of the Church of the Nazarene for more than 60 years. She loved her Lord and served Him by serving others as a Sunday School teacher. Later in life she joined the Red Hat Society with her daughters and enjoyed many fun events together. Her infectious smile and kind-hearted, fun-loving spirit will be sorely missed by those of us who have had the privilege to be touched by her life. Vernetta is survived by her sons Randy and wife, Raeanne, and Rick and wife, Karla; daughters, Lori Clemmons and husband, Larry, and Sandy Serry and husband, Pat; 14 grandchildren; and seven great-grandchildren. Her son Lonnie preceded her in death. A celebration of her life will be at 2 p.m. Monday, April 20, at the Corvallis Church of the Nazarene. Memorial contributions can be made to Heartland Humane Society in care of McHenry Funeral Home, 206 N.W. Fifth St., Corvallis, OR 97330.

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Vernetta Larrabee

September 21, 1922 - April 14, 2009